Position:

Background and Research focus

Professor Bicknell and his group are interested in the molecular basis of angiogenesis and majority of their work focuses on trying to understand the process and to identify novel targets for anti-cancer therapy. This involves the identification of novel genes active in the process and study of their biological behaviour. In the last few years they have identified several genes (including Delta4, Robo4, EndoPDI, ECSCR and CLEC14a) that play a key role in the angiogenic process in both normal development as well as pathologies such as tumours. Roy’s group is working with Dr Steven Lee, Dr Kai Toellner, and industrial collaborators to develop novel strategies to target the tumour endothelium. These include chimeric antigen receptor approaches, therapeutic antibodies, and anti-angiogenic vaccination strategies.

Expertise

Other activities

In addition to running an active research group Roy Bicknell is the head of the Cancer Research UK Angiogenesis group. He has also recently developed an interest in modern techniques of genomics including deep sequencing which he is exploiting to profile the tumour vasculature. Roy is a renowned in the fields of angiogenesis and endothelial biology having published over 200 research papers in scientific journals as well as reviews and book chapters. Moreover, he has been awarded major grants from Cancer Research UK, the European Union and the British Heart Foundation funding bodies. Roy is also involved in teaching by delivering lectures and tutorials on various undergraduate (BMedSc) and postgraduate (MSc clinical oncology) programmes. Finally, he frequently speaks at numerous national and international scientific meetings as well as to the lay public at charity fundraisers.